New Zealand Wars Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 107th Regiment, Bengal Infantry, later the Royal Sussex Regiment. On March 30, 1864, while proceeding to Teawamutu, New Zealand on duty, Lieutenant Colonel McNeill with two Privates were confronted by a party of the enemy. He sent one of the Privates back to bring up the infantry, but before help could arrive he and the Private were attacked by about fifty natives. In trying to escape the Private's horse fell, throwing its rider. Seeing his plight, Lieutenant Colonel McNeill returned, caught the horse, helped the man to mount and firing sharply, managed to get away to safety. For extreme bravery in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal in August 1864 and later achieved the rank of Major General. (bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith)